Description
Hearty and comforting Beef Stew with Cheddar Herb Dumplings tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy with vegetables, topped with fluffy, cheesy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp flour
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cups beef broth
1 cup dry red wine (optional, replace with broth if desired)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
For the Cheddar Herb Dumplings:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup milk
3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
1. Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat with flour.
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef on all sides in batches, then remove and set aside.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and browned beef. Bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until beef is tender.
8. While stew simmers, prepare dumpling dough by combining flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, and cheese.
9. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined (do not overmix).
10. When stew is done, remove bay leaf and stir in peas.
11. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough over the simmering stew.
12. Cover tightly and cook on low for 15–20 minutes, until dumplings are puffed and cooked through (do not lift lid during cooking).
13. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley.
Notes
For deeper flavor, brown the beef well before simmering — it adds rich caramelized notes.
You can use beer instead of wine for a hearty twist.
Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: British-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with 2 dumplings
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: beef stew with dumplings, cheddar herb dumplings, comfort food, hearty beef stew, dutch oven stew